Stores Entice Shoppers Early

Black Friday is under way across the country, with some retailers opening Thanksgiving evening and many others holding off until midnight to greet waiting customers looking for much-hyped deep discounts.

Despite an outcry from traditionalists and some employees, the gambit appeared to be paying off with lines around stores at many locations. National chains including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Sears Holdings Corp., Gap Inc. and Toys "R" Us Inc. were opening their doors on Thursday. Others, like...